A 1998 Shiraz is being introduced under the Limestone Coast label by Lindemans. This joins a Chardonnay released with the 1997 vintage. They are the first Australian wines to carry this new geographical indication name. To capitalise on the seasonal increase in interest in rosés, BRL Hardy is introducing its 1999 Stamp of Australia Grenache Shiraz in June. The wine is not usually released until September. The bottle will have a new label and the brand is supported by consumer advertising and tailored retail price promotions. The woman responsible for alcohol duty in the Treasury ­ financial secretary Barbara Roche ­ will be the principal speaker at the Wine and Spirit Association's annual lunch on June 9. Bulmer's work behind Caribbean lager Red Stripe continues to pay off. Volume sales in multiple grocers grew 75% in the year to the end of March. The brand's latest on pack promotion, 10% extra free uses graffiti style lettering to reflect its streetwise image. A new range of single varietal Australian wines is being introduced by AH Wines after 18 months of planning. The Woolpunda wines come from the vineyards of Thompson Vineyards and comprise a Chardonnay, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, all from the 1998 vintage. A five year exclusive contract to supply cider to the UK's student union bars has been won by Bulmer. This means a switch to Strongbow, Woodpecker, Scrumpy Jack and White Lightning from the Matthew Clark's Dry Blackthorn and Diamond White brands. Argentina's largest privately owned winery La Agricola is launching a new wine in the UK ­ Familia Zuccardi Q Tempranillo 1997. It has a listing in Tesco where it will retail at £7.99. This is set to be the first in a series of varietals which will include merlot, cabernet, malbec, pinot noir, viognier and chardonnay. Last year it was the World Cup. This year Budweiser's focus is on camper vans. But they are not ordinary vans and it will not be a small scale marketing initiative. The theme of the promotional offer is the chance to win one of five specially designed vans and $5,000 holidays in the US. The competition will run on multipacks, bottles and game cards from now until August and will be backed by a media campaign. {{DRINKS }}

Topics